England footballer Jude Bellingham is set to be involved in this year’s The Hundred after acquiring a minority stake in Birmingham Phoenix.
The Real Madrid midfielder has invested in the franchise through a 1.2 per cent share, reportedly worth around £1 million. The stake has been bought from the existing stakeholders, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital, who hold a 49% stake in the team. Warwickshire continues to hold a majority stake in the Phoenix.
When equity in the eight franchises was sold last year, the ECB specified a five-year lock-in period for incoming investors. However, Bellingham’s investment has been allowed as Warwickshire and Knighthead had already declared his interest at the time of the original deal.
The 22-year-old is expected to play an active off-field role. His involvement will centre on community outreach initiatives across the city and the West Midlands, with a focus on increasing grassroots participation and engagement in cricket.
Bellingham, who came through the academy at Birmingham City FC, has previously spoken about his interest in cricket, having played the sport at a junior level.
“I love Birmingham. I'm very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me. I love cricket as well, so when I got the opportunity to get involved I didn't really think twice about it, so I'm so happy to be on board,” Bellingham said. "I got the best upbringing into football, into life through Birmingham City. I feel like I owe the city something."
"Right now it’s difficult with how busy I am with football, but if there’s a way in which I can help then I want to and this feels like a good way. I think it’s so important to get our kids in the city out there playing sports. I think it’s crucial and the opportunity of me being a part of Birmingham Phoenix is to try and help people realise there’s different avenues."
Birmingham are yet to win a title in the Hundred, in either the men’s or the women’s competitions. The competition will begin on July 21 this year, with the final on August 16.
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